Comments on: Frugality in Practice: The Library Book Salehttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/
Common sense advice on money saving tips, how to get out of debt, high interest savings accounts, cd rates, money market accounts, mortgage rates, money management and more.Tue, 03 Mar 2015 22:20:35 +0000hourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1By: Ask the Readers: How to Save Money on Books? ? Get Rich Slowlyhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-178027
Ask the Readers: How to Save Money on Books? ? Get Rich SlowlyFri, 01 May 2009 12:00:28 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-178027[...] Library book sales do exist, and they’re a great way to find used books for cheap. If you live in a city with a large public library, find out when they hold their annual book sale. At my library’s sale, I can generally pick up financial and personal development books for a buck or two each. Best of all, I’m able to find odd and unusual books that most bookstores won’t touch, such as Money-Making Hobbies, which cost me $1.50 in 2006. [...][...] Library book sales do exist, and they’re a great way to find used books for cheap. If you live in a city with a large public library, find out when they hold their annual book sale. At my library’s sale, I can generally pick up financial and personal development books for a buck or two each. Best of all, I’m able to find odd and unusual books that most bookstores won’t touch, such as Money-Making Hobbies, which cost me $1.50 in 2006. [...]

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]]>By: Savvy Steward » Do-It-Yourself Bookcasehttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-79683
Savvy Steward » Do-It-Yourself BookcaseWed, 21 Feb 2007 15:57:44 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-79683[...] other bloggers I am a bibliophile. I read a lot of books. I have a lot of books. Once I get married and [...][...] other bloggers I am a bibliophile. I read a lot of books. I have a lot of books. Once I get married and [...]

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]]>By: Get Rich Slowly » Money-Making Hobbies (from 1938)http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-42996
Get Rich Slowly » Money-Making Hobbies (from 1938)Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:58:45 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-42996[...] I purchased this book for $1 from the library book sale last October. I spent several hours scanning and re-typing these excerpts. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. [...][...] I purchased this book for $1 from the library book sale last October. I spent several hours scanning and re-typing these excerpts. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. [...]

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]]>By: Bethhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10475
BethFri, 13 Oct 2006 20:13:17 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10475GREAT post. And of course, the money you spend on those $1 hardbacks goes back to the library! It gets spent on a wide variety of things, depending on the library (where I work, it mostly gets spent on materials we just would not be able to get out of our basic budget - DVD's, audiobooks, special reference items. Also furniture, computer equipment, the catering for Patron Appreciation Day, Summer Reading prizes, just all sorts of stuff.)
The average homeowning American pays about the equivalent of ONE hardback book ($25.50, in 2004) in taxes to support library services. If you're reading this thread, you already know everything you get for the price of that one book. And booksales get you not only cheap books, but even more value out of that $25.50! Book sales are the BEST. Thank you J.D. and all the library book sale fans.GREAT post. And of course, the money you spend on those $1 hardbacks goes back to the library! It gets spent on a wide variety of things, depending on the library (where I work, it mostly gets spent on materials we just would not be able to get out of our basic budget – DVD’s, audiobooks, special reference items. Also furniture, computer equipment, the catering for Patron Appreciation Day, Summer Reading prizes, just all sorts of stuff.)

The average homeowning American pays about the equivalent of ONE hardback book ($25.50, in 2004) in taxes to support library services. If you’re reading this thread, you already know everything you get for the price of that one book. And booksales get you not only cheap books, but even more value out of that $25.50! Book sales are the BEST. Thank you J.D. and all the library book sale fans.

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]]>By: Stephaniehttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10362
StephanieThu, 12 Oct 2006 20:12:38 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10362Our library has a book sale a few times a year. (We don't buy many books b/c of space.) It is always hard for me to look b/c I have the kids with me, bu the last sale I saw some books I know I could double my $ with on Half.com. I think I will make the time to do it next time.Our library has a book sale a few times a year. (We don’t buy many books b/c of space.) It is always hard for me to look b/c I have the kids with me, bu the last sale I saw some books I know I could double my $ with on Half.com. I think I will make the time to do it next time.

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]]>By: James Kewhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10360
James KewThu, 12 Oct 2006 19:42:32 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10360FWIW, it's when it comes to moving house that the mountains of books start to look like a big liability.
An international move focuses the mind even more: when I moved from the UK to the US I realized that most of the books I had bought had been read once only. I ended up selling or giving away 80% of them. (And even then, I've found that 2 years later I have reread very few of the books I brought with me.)
It seems to me that often the pleasure of collecting is more in the ownership than in the consumption of the collection: what benefits does JD derive from his 80% unread books, other than the pleasure of living with them? What benefits the DVD collector with a wall full of discs he's watched once?
I am a voracious library user but I now think very hard before actually buying a book or DVD. I still have something of a weak spot for CDs, though, although importing them all into iTunes means that I do now listen to a lot more of the music I own than I used to...
"I’ve listened to all of Patrick O’Brien’s Aubrey-Maturin novels."
This tickled me, as I listen to audiobooks on my commute and have just started to listen to Master And Commander with an eye (an ear?) to working through the entire series. (I read them all a couple of years ago, but like JD I'm finding I often get more out of audiobooks: I suspect because the narrator's pace prevents me from skimming.)FWIW, it’s when it comes to moving house that the mountains of books start to look like a big liability.

An international move focuses the mind even more: when I moved from the UK to the US I realized that most of the books I had bought had been read once only. I ended up selling or giving away 80% of them. (And even then, I’ve found that 2 years later I have reread very few of the books I brought with me.)

It seems to me that often the pleasure of collecting is more in the ownership than in the consumption of the collection: what benefits does JD derive from his 80% unread books, other than the pleasure of living with them? What benefits the DVD collector with a wall full of discs he’s watched once?

I am a voracious library user but I now think very hard before actually buying a book or DVD. I still have something of a weak spot for CDs, though, although importing them all into iTunes means that I do now listen to a lot more of the music I own than I used to…

“I’ve listened to all of Patrick O’Brien’s Aubrey-Maturin novels.”

This tickled me, as I listen to audiobooks on my commute and have just started to listen to Master And Commander with an eye (an ear?) to working through the entire series. (I read them all a couple of years ago, but like JD I’m finding I often get more out of audiobooks: I suspect because the narrator’s pace prevents me from skimming.)

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]]>By: NHRhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10352
NHRThu, 12 Oct 2006 17:20:17 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10352I also have accumulated a household full of books. Lately I have started to sell some of them on eBay. Books are fairly easy to post on eBay since stock photos are usually avaialble. Normally I buy books on eBay, Amazon Marketplace or half.com (part of eBay) to keep acquisition costs down.
I also agree with the comments about utilizing the library - I've slipped a bit on this.I also have accumulated a household full of books. Lately I have started to sell some of them on eBay. Books are fairly easy to post on eBay since stock photos are usually avaialble. Normally I buy books on eBay, Amazon Marketplace or half.com (part of eBay) to keep acquisition costs down.

I also agree with the comments about utilizing the library – I’ve slipped a bit on this.

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]]>By: Savvy Samuraihttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10349
Savvy SamuraiThu, 12 Oct 2006 16:45:31 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10349J.D. How much do you budget for the year for books? For me its about $400. I try to find bargains at library sales like you mentioned but sometimes I can't resist getting a new release on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.J.D. How much do you budget for the year for books? For me its about $400. I try to find bargains at library sales like you mentioned but sometimes I can’t resist getting a new release on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

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]]>By: Melissa A.http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10313
Melissa A.Thu, 12 Oct 2006 11:59:32 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10313Oh, I guess should also mention that I rarely buy books, unless if they're knitting books. Even then it's only if I like most of the patterns or it contains a lot of helpful information. The library has most of the books I would want anyway.Oh, I guess should also mention that I rarely buy books, unless if they’re knitting books. Even then it’s only if I like most of the patterns or it contains a lot of helpful information. The library has most of the books I would want anyway.

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]]>By: Melissa A.http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10311
Melissa A.Thu, 12 Oct 2006 11:56:32 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10311I usually avoid the giant book sales because I don't have a lot of room and I find I don't have time to read all those books. But, I think this year I will go to the library's giant book sale, which is in two weeks. Maybe I'll luck out with some knitting books. It's also a goal of mine to read every Agatha Christie novel ever written.I usually avoid the giant book sales because I don’t have a lot of room and I find I don’t have time to read all those books. But, I think this year I will go to the library’s giant book sale, which is in two weeks. Maybe I’ll luck out with some knitting books. It’s also a goal of mine to read every Agatha Christie novel ever written.

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]]>By: João Miguel Neveshttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10303
João Miguel NevesThu, 12 Oct 2006 10:09:43 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10303As another biblioholic, what saves me are:
http://www.bookcrossing.com/ - the main idea is too free books around, but users also lend, do bookrings and bookrelays (where a person receives, reads, and passes the book on to the next person on the list).
http://www.bookmooch.com/ - swap of used books. You pay for the postal expenses and has a point system to keep it working.As another biblioholic, what saves me are:

http://www.bookcrossing.com/ – the main idea is too free books around, but users also lend, do bookrings and bookrelays (where a person receives, reads, and passes the book on to the next person on the list).

]]>By: RJhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10295
RJThu, 12 Oct 2006 05:57:18 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10295I also have collected lots of books over the years, but in the past few years I've cut down my purchases tremendously and have relied on libraries a lot more. I'm sure this has saved me hundreds of dollars! On the rare occasions that I do buy a book, it's usually from a library deacquisition sale or from my nearby Half-Priced Books. What a great store!I also have collected lots of books over the years, but in the past few years I’ve cut down my purchases tremendously and have relied on libraries a lot more. I’m sure this has saved me hundreds of dollars! On the rare occasions that I do buy a book, it’s usually from a library deacquisition sale or from my nearby Half-Priced Books. What a great store!

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]]>By: Careohttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10294
CareoThu, 12 Oct 2006 05:02:13 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10294Also in the Portland area is Booktique in Lake Oswego. It's run by the friends of the Lake Oswego library. It's a small bookstore that's part library sale (all of the library's retired books go there), and part used book shop (they take donations). All of the proceeds go to support the library.
It's like a mini version of the Multnomah County sale that goes on all year.Also in the Portland area is Booktique in Lake Oswego. It’s run by the friends of the Lake Oswego library. It’s a small bookstore that’s part library sale (all of the library’s retired books go there), and part used book shop (they take donations). All of the proceeds go to support the library.

It’s like a mini version of the Multnomah County sale that goes on all year.

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]]>By: J.D.http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10290
J.D.Thu, 12 Oct 2006 02:31:03 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10290I'm addicted!
My bookbuying obsession has contributed to my money woes over the years. It's still a problem -- no question -- but because I've taken control of my finances, and because I've reduced my book spending, it's not nearly so bad. My book habit (and, especially, comic book habit) is definitely something I can improve upon.I’m addicted!

My bookbuying obsession has contributed to my money woes over the years. It’s still a problem — no question — but because I’ve taken control of my finances, and because I’ve reduced my book spending, it’s not nearly so bad. My book habit (and, especially, comic book habit) is definitely something I can improve upon.

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]]>By: VinTekhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10289
VinTekThu, 12 Oct 2006 02:25:21 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10289Here's the part I don't understand. I totally understand the part of not depriving yourself. No one I know would ever accuse me of that. What I don't understand is why you would buy more books than you can read. There will *always* be another book sale. Buying more than you can use of anything just seems to be antithical of being frugal.Here’s the part I don’t understand. I totally understand the part of not depriving yourself. No one I know would ever accuse me of that. What I don’t understand is why you would buy more books than you can read. There will *always* be another book sale. Buying more than you can use of anything just seems to be antithical of being frugal.

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]]>By: tylerwillishttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10281
tylerwillisThu, 12 Oct 2006 01:01:36 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10281There is a danger to library book sales - it can make you not want to ever spend more than a dollar for a hardback again.
I'm not a heavy book buyer, but I have one genre that I absolutely love to read, so I use the library sale to try out new authors - authors who have multiple upon multiple series out - without having to outlay for a series that I might not like.There is a danger to library book sales – it can make you not want to ever spend more than a dollar for a hardback again.

I’m not a heavy book buyer, but I have one genre that I absolutely love to read, so I use the library sale to try out new authors – authors who have multiple upon multiple series out – without having to outlay for a series that I might not like.

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]]>By: Emily H.http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10276
Emily H.Wed, 11 Oct 2006 23:07:27 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10276At my library system, if you volunteer to help sort the books and put them out, you can get first pick of the books.
Your best bet is usually to go on the first day and on the last day: on the first day you can have your pick of the widest selection, and on the last day the prices are sometimes dramatically reduced; at my library system, you can fill a box for $5.
(These days I very rarely buy books, even at the library book sale. You know what's more expensive than books? Bookcases. You know what's more expensive than bookcases? A larger apartment; I don't have space for any more bookcases).At my library system, if you volunteer to help sort the books and put them out, you can get first pick of the books.

Your best bet is usually to go on the first day and on the last day: on the first day you can have your pick of the widest selection, and on the last day the prices are sometimes dramatically reduced; at my library system, you can fill a box for $5.

(These days I very rarely buy books, even at the library book sale. You know what’s more expensive than books? Bookcases. You know what’s more expensive than bookcases? A larger apartment; I don’t have space for any more bookcases).

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]]>By: William Mizehttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10275
William MizeWed, 11 Oct 2006 23:04:37 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10275Oh, and allow me to turn you and your readers on to <a href="http://www.paperbackswap.com" rel="nofollow">Paperback Swap</a>.
People have books that you want.
You have books that people want.
Swap 'em.
For just the cost of media mail postage.
I just started using it to get some churn on my bookshelves, and it bloody well rocks.
Apologies if I actually found out about it here.Oh, and allow me to turn you and your readers on to Paperback Swap.
People have books that you want.
You have books that people want.
Swap ‘em.
For just the cost of media mail postage.

I just started using it to get some churn on my bookshelves, and it bloody well rocks.

Apologies if I actually found out about it here.

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]]>By: William Mizehttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10274
William MizeWed, 11 Oct 2006 22:55:49 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10274Preach brother!
Last year, thanks to my expense tracking spreadsheet, I learned that I spent almost $700 on books, both new and used.
That same year, I spent about $650 in gas for my car.
What the heck?!
Needless to say, I've cut back on my habit.
I budget $25 a month, but rarely use it all.
The library is your friend.Preach brother!
Last year, thanks to my expense tracking spreadsheet, I learned that I spent almost $700 on books, both new and used.
That same year, I spent about $650 in gas for my car.
What the heck?!
Needless to say, I’ve cut back on my habit.
I budget $25 a month, but rarely use it all.

The library is your friend.

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]]>By: EChttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10273
ECWed, 11 Oct 2006 22:50:39 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10273I'm with you. I haven't bought a new book in a year and a half now, and don't feel deprived at all. And it's helped the budget a lot!
A tip for finding library booksales:
http://www.booksalefinder.com/
Scroll down, then click on your state for a list of upcoming sales.
Find out if a book is worth much, before buying it at the booksale:
http://www.ringfo.com/
(formerly Amabuddy.com)
Swap books when you're done with them, if you wouldn't get much money for them anyway:
http://www.paperbackswap.com/I’m with you. I haven’t bought a new book in a year and a half now, and don’t feel deprived at all. And it’s helped the budget a lot!

]]>By: J.D.http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10271
J.D.Wed, 11 Oct 2006 21:39:32 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10271BD: I do not read all my books. I'd love to do so, but it just ain't possible. In fact, the more I write, the less I have time to read. It's a vicious circle. I'd say that I have a 20% completion rate, too.
I, too, have discovered the joy of audiobooks. An iPod and an Audible subscription (and a good public library system) make for a great combination. I listen to about two books per month, and often enjoy it more than if I'd read the books on paper. I've listend to <i>Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell</i> each of the past two Marches, and plan to do so this coming March. I've listened to all of Patrick O'Brien's Aubrey-Maturin novels. Etc. Great stuff.BD: I do not read all my books. I’d love to do so, but it just ain’t possible. In fact, the more I write, the less I have time to read. It’s a vicious circle. I’d say that I have a 20% completion rate, too.

I, too, have discovered the joy of audiobooks. An iPod and an Audible subscription (and a good public library system) make for a great combination. I listen to about two books per month, and often enjoy it more than if I’d read the books on paper. I’ve listend to Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell each of the past two Marches, and plan to do so this coming March. I’ve listened to all of Patrick O’Brien’s Aubrey-Maturin novels. Etc. Great stuff.

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]]>By: Binary Dollarhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10270
Binary DollarWed, 11 Oct 2006 21:34:40 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10270Do you read all your books? I have this problem where I buy tons of books intending to read it through. I probably have a completion rate of 1 in 5 though.
I like audiobooks because it's a forced progression. Plus I could do laundry or walk the dog while "reading".
-BDDo you read all your books? I have this problem where I buy tons of books intending to read it through. I probably have a completion rate of 1 in 5 though.

I like audiobooks because it’s a forced progression. Plus I could do laundry or walk the dog while “reading”.

-BD

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]]>By: Jodyhttp://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-10269
JodyWed, 11 Oct 2006 20:49:47 +0000http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/10/11/frugality-in-practice-the-library-book-sale/#comment-10269I'm a biblioholic, too. Seeing a room (or worse: a house - it DOES happen!) without books is like an unfurnished room to me.
My biggest headache with this addiction is: where and how to store them? I have thousands of paperbacks, hard-covers, trade paperbacks... I don't have one library-like room to put them all, and I wouldn't want to anyway. I wish I had carpentry skills.
Back to the topic at hand: I don't buy as many books as I used to. Maybe a couple a month, and I usually buy used, although I can't resist Costco prices at times.I’m a biblioholic, too. Seeing a room (or worse: a house – it DOES happen!) without books is like an unfurnished room to me.

My biggest headache with this addiction is: where and how to store them? I have thousands of paperbacks, hard-covers, trade paperbacks… I don’t have one library-like room to put them all, and I wouldn’t want to anyway. I wish I had carpentry skills.

Back to the topic at hand: I don’t buy as many books as I used to. Maybe a couple a month, and I usually buy used, although I can’t resist Costco prices at times.